Supernumerary muscles in the posterior leg compartment: a case report / Músculos supernumerarios en el compartimento posterior de la pierna: reporte de un caso

SUMMARY: The leg muscles are organized in anterior, lateral and posterior compartments. The posterior compartment is usually divided in two layers: superficial and deep. The deep muscles of the posterior compartment of the leg are known to mainly plantar flexion and toes flexion. In comparison to the other leg compartments, variations of the posterior one are rare. These variants often involve the presence or absence of one or more muscles, and they have differences among origin and insertion, which leads to confusion between anatomists. We aim to describe a case of a male cadaver that possessed three supernumerary muscles in the lateral and posterior compartments of both legs: the peroneus quartus muscle and two accessory bellies of the flexor digitorum longus. This presentation seems to be very rare and scarcely reported in the literature. These variants have the potential of causing nervous or vascular compression, thus leading to tarsal tunnel syndrome or a symptomatic peroneus quartus. The clinical and surgical implications of this abnormal presentation is discussed.

RESUMEN: Los músculos de la pierna están organizados en compartimentos anterior, lateral y posterior. El compartimento posterior por lo general es dividido en dos capas: superficial y profunda. Se sabe que los músculos profundos del compartimento posterior de la pierna se caracterizan principalmente por participar de la flexión plantar y la flexión de los dedos de los pies. En comparación con los otros compartimentos de la pierna, las variaciones musculares en el compartimiento posterior son raras. Estas variantes suelen implicar la presencia o ausencia de uno o más músculos y presentan diferencias en el origen y en la inserción, lo que conduce a confusión entre los anatomistas. Nuestro objetivo fue describir el caso de un cadáver masculino que poseía tres músculos supernumerarios en los compartimentos lateral y posterior de ambas piernas: el músculo fibular cuarto y dos vientres accesorios del músculo flexor largo de los dedos. Esta presentación parece ser muy rara y escasamente reportada en la literatura. Estas variantes musculares tienen el potencial de causar compresión nerviosa o vascular, lo que conduce al síndrome del túnel del tarso o un cuarto músculo fibular sintomático. Se discuten las implicaciones clínicas y quirúrgicas de esta presentación anormal.

Study On Tendinous Connections Between Flexor Hallucis Longus And Flexor Digitorum Longus

Introduction: Flexor Hallucis Longus (FHL) and Flexor Digitorum Longus (FDL) are long flexors of the toes, oftenwith the interconnecting tendinous slips at various points. These interconnecting slips hold great significance inreconstruction surgeries of ankle and foot such as chronic Achilles tendon rupture, posterior tibial tendondysfunction (PTTD) and peroneal tendon rupture. In view of the above this study was aimed to find out varioustypes of connections between tendons of FHL & FDL.Materials and methods: This cross sectional study was carried out in the Department of Anatomy ACSR GovernmentMedical College, Nellore, conducted in a total of 34 lower limbs. Flexor digitorum brevis and abductor hallucismuscles were reflected distally after the removal of the skin, superficial fascia and plantar aponeurosis toexpose FHL and FDL tendons which were examined for the interconnections. Specimens with interconnectionswere photographed and documented.Result: Out of 34 samples, 17 were right sided and 17 were of left sided. Mean foot length was 22.4 ± 1.9 cm. Threetypes of connections i.e. type 1, 4 & 5 were documented at 17 (50%), 16 (47.1%) and 1 (2.9%) type 5 respectively.Type 1 tendinous connections were further classified into 3 sub types i.e. type 1A were 10 (58.8%), type 1B were5(29.4%) and type C were of 2(11.8%).Conclusion: This study finds maximum distribution of type1 interconnections followed by type 4 and sub type 1Aamong type 1. This study also reports for the first time a common origin of 1st lumbrical from distal part oftendinous slip as well as from 1st digital slip of FDL. These interconnections provide stable base and enhancedpropulsion by toes and also act as natural tenodesis

The anatomy and clinical applications of flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer in treatment of chronic Achilles tendinopathy / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer in treatment of chronic Achilles tendinopathy using different technique.Methods Sixty-four embalmed feet of 32 cadavers were analyzed and classified anatomically with respect to the individual cross links in the Henry's knot.These three techniques were then combined to determine the total potential tendon graft length obtainable using single incision,double incision and minimally invasive incision.From January,2012 to June,2015,10 patients (10 feet) with chronic Achilles tendinopathy were treated with double incision technique.The score was 63.04 ±7.75 according to American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and hindfoot score system.Results Only two different configurations were found.Type 1,a tendinous slip branched from the FHLT to the FDLT was 96.9％(62 of 64 feet).Type 2,a slip branched from the FHLT to the FDLT and another slip from the FDLT to FHLT was 3.1％(2 of 64).The average length of the FHLT graft available from a single incision measured (5.08±1.09)cm,double incision technique measured (6.72 ± 1.02) cm,and minimally invasive incision measured (17.49 ± 1.80)cm.The difference between the lengths obtained from these three techniques was statistically significant.Ten patients were followed-up 12-36 months (mean,13.7 months).At 12 months after operation,the AOFAS ankle and hindfoot score was 93.28 ± 3.72,showing significant difference when compared with that before operation.The results were excellent in 6 cases,good in 3 cases,and fair in 1 case with an excellent and good rate of 90％.No sural nerve injury,posterior tibial nerve injury,medial plantar nerve injury,and lateral plantar nerve injury occurred.Conclusion In over 96 ％ of the feet,a proximal to distal connection from the FHLT to the FDLT was found,which might contribute to the residual function of the lesser toes after FDLT transfer.The distal stump of the FHLT tendon should be sutured onto the FDLT tendon under tension to en able a co-activation of the great toe,preserved hallux plantar flexion.Chronic Achilles tendinopathy reconstruction with flexor hallucis longus tendon harvested using double incision technique offers a desirable outcome in operative recovery,tendon fixation,preserved hallux plantar flexion and less complications.

The Tendinous Slip of the Flexor Digitorum Longus for the Great Toe: An Anatomic Variation / 체질인류학회지

This report describes a variation of the tendinous slip of the flexor digitorum longus (FDL) for the great toe. In addition, compositions of the long flexor tendons for all five toes were examined. The tendons of the FDL in the foot were investigated in 66 specimens of embalmed Korean adult cadavers. The tendons of the flexor hallucis longus (FHL) and the FDL with the lumbrical muscles were cut at the calcaneus and the metatarsophalangeal joints and were removed en bloc specifically to observe the FDL and the FHL tendons of the great toe. The tendinous slip of the FDL for the great toe was found bilaterally in the foot of a 52-year-old male. Its prevalence was two of 66 specimens (3.0%). The tendinous slip of the FDL for the great toe passed forward the great toe, and it constituted the superficial portion of the long flexor tendon for the great toe. The tendon of the FHL passed forward to constitute the deep portion of the long flexor tendon for the great toe. Thus, both the tendinous slip of the FDL and the tendon of the FHL composed the long flexor tendon for the great toe. The tendinous slip of the FDL and the tendon of the FHL for the great toe were similar in thickness; thus, each tendinous slip of the FDL and the tendon of the FHL were approximately one-half of the long flexor tendon for the great toe in thickness. The present study demonstrated an anatomical variation of the interconnection between the FHL and the FDL tendons, which will be useful for various surgeries and biomechanical research.

Tenodesis vs. tunelización del tendón flexor largo de los dedos en el tratamiento de la disfunción del tendón tibial posterior en estadio II / Tenodesis Vs. Tunneling of Flexor tendon length of the fingers in the treatment of Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction Stage II

El tratamiento , en el estadio II de disfunción del tendón tibial posterior (DTTP) consiste en la transferencia del tendón Flexor Largo de los dedos (FLD) para suplir al tendón tibial posterior insuficiente y un procedimiento óseo para corregir la deformidad adquirida del retropié. En este estudio, evaluamos la función y eficacia de la transferencia del FLD tunelizado en el escafoide tarsiano vs la tenodesis del mismo al muñón distal del tendón tibial posterior. Material y método: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo y comparativo de los pacientes intervenidos por esta patología en la Unidad de Pie y Tobillo del HCC, entre los años 2005 y 2012. En 27 pacientes se realizó tunelización del FLD en el escafoides tarsiano y en 49 pacientes se realizó tenodesis del FLD al muñón distal del tendón tibial posterior; en todos los pacientes se realizó un procedimiento óseo para corregir la deformidad adquirida del retropié. Se midió goniometricamente, inversión y flexión plantar del pie al año de postoperatorio en todos los pacientes y se comparó con el pie sano. Se evaluó pérdida de función ó dolor en zona de la transferencia. El análisis estadístico se realizó con t-student. Resultados: 6 pacientes presentaron DTTP bilateral y fueron descartados de este estudio. Los pacientes con tunelización del FLD en el escafoides tarsiano, presentaron una media de 62% de inversión y 86% de flexión plantar, los pacientes con tenodesis de FLD, presentaron una media de 86% de inversión y 89% de flexión plantar. Perdieron función del tendón, 1 paciente con tendón tunelizado, y 2 con tenodesis; presentaron dolor en la zona de la transferencia 2 pacientes con tenodesis del FLD. Conclusión: De nuestro estudio podemos concluir, que la tenodesis del FLD al muñón distal del tendón Tibial posterior, produce una mejor inversión del pie que la tunelización del FLD en el escafoides tarsiano(AU)

The surgical treatment of stage II posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) is the transfer of the flexor digitorum longus tendon (FDL) to supply the posterior tibial tendon and a bone procedure to correct the acquired deformity of the hindfoot. In this study we evaluated the role and effectiveness of the FDL transfer to a tarsal scaphoid tunnel vs tenodesis of the distal stump of the posterior tibial tendon. Materials and methods: We performed a retrospective comparative study of patients with this disease in the Foot and Ankle Unit of HCC between 2005 and 2012, in 27 patients FDL tunnel was performed in the tarsal navicular and in 49 patients FDL tenodesis was performed to the distal posterior tibial tendon stump; in all patients a bone procedure was performed to correct acquired deformity of the hindfoot. Goniometrical measure was performed for forefoot inversion and plantar flexion at 12 months postop and compared with the healthy foot. Pain or loss of function in the transfer zone was evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using T-student. Results: 6 patients had bilateral and PTTD and were excluded from this study. Patients with tarsal scaphoid FDL tunnel showed a mean of 62% forefoot inversion and 86% of plantar flexion, patients with FDL tenodesis, showed an average of 86% forefoot inversion and 89% of plantar flexion. One tendon tunnel patient lost tendon function and 2 tenodesis patient lost tendon function. 2 patients with FDL tenodesis had pain in the transfer area. Conclusion: From our study we can conclude that FDL tenodesis to the distal posterior tibial tendon stump produces a better forefoot inversion than the FDL tarsal navicular tunnel(AU)

Checkrein Deformity Due to Flexor Digitorum Longus Adhesion after Comminuted Calcaneus Fracture: A Case Report / 대한족부족관절학회지

The checkrein deformity describes tethering of the flexor hallucis longus tendon, which mainly occurs after fracture of the distal tibia. The deformity increases with dorsiflexion of the ankle and decreases or disappears with plantarflexion of the ankle. In some cases, the deformity may occasionally include the second and third toes. In the current study, the authors experienced secondary checkrein deformity of all lesser toes after open reduction and plate fixation for comminuted fracture of the calcaneus. As a treatment, plate and screws were removed, followed by an additional medial incision which showed a partially ruptured flexor digitorum longus tendon with severe adhesion. Resection of the adhesed tendon and tenodesis of its distal portion to the flexor hallucis longus was performed for correction of the checkrein deformity. Then the lessor toe checkrein deformity recovered immediately. The authors report on this rare lessor toe checkrein deformity after calcaneal fracture fixation with a review of literature.

Determination of Injection Site in Flexor Digitorum Longus for Effective and Safe Botulinum Toxin Injection

OBJECTIVE: To determine the optimal injection site in the flexor digitorum longus (FDL) muscle for effective botulinum toxin injection. METHODS: Fourteen specimens from eight adult Korean cadavers were used in this study. The most proximal medial point of the tibia plateau was defined as the proximal reference point; the most distal tip of the medial malleolus was defined as the distal reference point. The distance of a line connecting the proximal and distal reference points was defined as the reference length. The X-coordinate was the distance from the proximal reference point to the intramuscular motor endpoint (IME), or motor entry point (MEP) on the reference line, and the Y-coordinate was the distance from the nearest point from MEP on the medial border of the tibia to the MEP. IME and MEP distances from the proximal reference point were evaluated using the raw value and the X-coordinate to reference length ratio was determined as a percentage. RESULTS: The majority of IMEs were located within 30%-60% of the reference length from the proximal reference point. The majority of the MEPs were located within 40%-60% of the reference length from the proximal reference point. CONCLUSION: We recommend the anatomical site for a botulinum toxin injection in the FDL to be within a region 30%-60% of the reference length from the proximal reference point.

Operative Treatment of Acquired Adult Flatfoot / 대한족부족관절학회지

Acquired adult flatfoot deformity is characterized by flattening of the medial longitudinal arch and dysfunction of the posteromedial soft tissues, including the posterior tibial tendon. When the non-operative treatment fails to result in improvement of symptoms, surgery should be considered. Operative techniques include flexor digitorum longus tendon transfer, calcaneal medial slide osteotomy, lateral column lengthening, and arthrodesis of the hindfoot. The principle of correcting the deformity while avoiding overcorrection and excessive stiffness is important in achievement of good outcomes in these patients.

Cases of Distal Lower Leg Reconstruction with Flexor Digitorum Longus Muscle Flaps

PURPOSE: Reconstruction of soft tissue defects in the distal lower leg, especially in the distal third, largely depends on free tissue transfer and local fasciocutaneous flaps. But several local muscle flaps have also been proposed as useful alternative reconstructive manner. In this report, the authors present the successful use of the flexor digitorum longus muscle flaps in the distal lower leg reconstruction. METHODS: Case 1: An 81-year-old woman with a dog bite wound in the left distal lower leg was admitted. She had a 10 x 8 cm wound with tibial exposure along the medial aspect of the leg. Soft tissue reconstruction with a flexor digitorum longus muscle flap and a split-thickness skin graft was performed. Case 2: A 77-year-old woman had a squamous cell carcinoma in the right distal lower leg. After wide excision, a 5 x 4 cm wound was developed with exposure of the tibia. The flexor digitorum longus muscle flap was transposed and covered with a split-thickness skin graft. RESULTS: The flexor digitorum longus muscle flaps were shown to be useful to cover tibial defects in the distal lower leg. During the follow-up period, no significant donor site morbidity was found. CONCLUSION: The flexor digitorum longus muscle flap can be used to cover the exposed distal tibia, especially when a free tissue transfer is not an option. The relative ease of dissection and minimal functional deficits were the major advantages of this flap, while the extent of reach into the lower third has a limitation.

Tenosynovial Chondromatosis on Plantar Area: A Case Report / 대한족부족관절학회지

Tenosynovial chondromatosis is a multinodular cartilaginous proliferation that arises from the tenosynovial membranes. It is rare, benign neoplasm, most commonly affects the tendon of the wrist and hand. It is clinically important because of its high rate of recurrence with a unique histopathological pattern which not infrequently displays considerable focal cellular atypia and hypercellurality nevertheless it is benign, but it has not been well recognized because of its rarity. We report here a rare case of tenosynovial chondromatosis of the tendon sheath of flexor hallucis longus and flexor digitorum longus in plantar area.

Posterior Tibialis Tendon Dysfunction: Preliminary Report / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: Posterior tibialis tendon dysfunction (PTTD) is one of the most common causes of acquired flatfoot deformity in western countries. But it was known that they were very rare in eastern countries. So we want to report the clinical features and outcomes of 12 patients with PTTD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated the results of 12 patients using clinical features and results from March 2000 to January 2007 and mean follow up periods is 32 months. RESULTS: Average age was 45 years, 8 of 12 patients were female, 2 patient with hypertension and 1 with rheumatoid arthritis. 5 patients were overweighted and 5 patients were obese. 4 patients has a history of last trauma. 4 patients experienced progression of flatfoot. On behalf of Johnson and Strom classifications 6 cases were grade I, 4 cases were grade II, grade III, and grade IV was 1 case, relatively. As a treatment we used tenosynovectomy for 3 cases of grade I, additional FDL transfer was done for 2 cases of grade I and 2 cases of grade II. For other 2 patients of grade II flexor digitorum longus transfer and Medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy was done. Pathologic findings of tendon showed degenerative tendinitis. Lastly conservative treatment group was 3 cases of grade I, III, IV each. Average preoperative and postoperative American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society's hindfoot/ankle scoreFAS score was 58 and 90. Initial and follow up AOFAS scores of the conservative group was 38 and 57, relatively. CONCLUSION: As a cause of acquired flatfoot in adult, PTTD is not a rare disease any more in Korea. To prevent the disability and progression of flatfoot, careful clinical evaluation and proper treatment is important.